It’s not so surprising that Ireland’s ploughmen are world-beaters, when you consider their role in setting up the National Ploughing Championships, ranked among the biggest outdoor events in the world, with over 1,500 exhibitors, and an attendance of 281,000.

The Ploughing Championships for 2014 have come and gone, setting yet another record, with attendance of more than 124,000 on Wednesday.

TWO of the best-known names in Irish ploughing will be represented at the world championships in Ontario, Canada, this week.

Ray Ryan